Storms can be fascinating to watch, whether it’s rain, snow, wind, or lightning. However, some storms can pack quite the punch, wreaking havoc in their wake. If one of these magnificent storms happens to wreak havoc on your roof, what should you do? Keep reading to find out, so you’ll be prepared for this unfortunate event.
Be Proactive
1. Prioritize Safety
A damaged roof can collapse or expose your home’s wiring to water, either of which can put you and your family in harm’s way. If your roof is leaking, has sustained structural damage, or if it looks like your wiring [is] damaged, avoid those areas of the home until you can get a professional to come to assess them.
2. Document Everything
You’ll need documentation of any damage to your roof if you try to file an insurance claim. Take photos and videos of all damage as soon as possible after ensuring everyone is safe.
3. Alert Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report that a storm has damaged your roof. This will help ensure you collect all the documentation your insurance company will require. They may also send an adjuster to your house to assess the damage and determine what repairs will be needed.
4. Hire A Public Adjuster If Needed
If your insurance company doesn’t send an adjuster or you’d like another opinion, you can hire a public adjuster to assess the damage to your roof.
5. Schedule Repairs
Don’t start repairs until your insurance company has assessed the damage, or they may deny your claim. Once you have everything sorted out, schedule the repairs so you can get your roof fixed as soon as possible.
6. Take Preventative Measures
Once the current damage to your roof is repaired, consider taking preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of roof damage in the future. This could include installing impact-resistant roofing materials or reinforcing your roof.
Document The Damage And Call Your Insurance
Your first step should be to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. You can do a lot by walking outside with your phone and snapping photos of the damage, but you may need to reach an elevated position to see the full extent. Take extra caution with this step, as the roof may not be as stable as it was before the damage occurred.
Your next step should be to contact your insurance company and make a claim. They may have preferred or approved contractors to handle work like this, and they also may be able to give you a sense of how much they’re willing to pay on your claim, giving you a clear budget for the repair project.
Call Your Insurance And A Local Roofing Company
If you suspect roof damage, [someone will need] to get up on the roof to take a closer look. Depending on the roof pitch and height, this can be dangerous for some, so you will probably want to call a local roofing company. Don’t get up there if you are not sure of your safety.
Call your insurance company which will send an adjuster to take a look. This is your best first step. Despite people telling you the adjuster will try to minimize the issue, most are knowledgeable and credible.
If you have obvious water leaking into the house, you need to take immediate action. Plastic tarps will do a good job for the short haul.
Take Immediate Action
If you believe a [storm] may have harmed your roof, it’s crucial to take immediate action to
restore your roof and prevent further damage.
The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. Take pictures and videos of any visible indications of storm damage, such as missing shingles or damaged gutters. This documentation will help you file an insurance claim if needed.
Next, it’s important to do temporary fixes to minimize the damage. If the damaged area is above a living space, take steps to prevent water from leaking inside the property. Place a pail below the leaks and clear any valuables in the room to [avoid] further damage.
Contact your roofing contractor as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on whether or not to file an insurance claim, depending on the extent of the damage. Be sure to document everything, including receipts and photos of emergency repairs made, before the insurance agent arrives.
Finally, call your insurance company to file a claim. Keep in mind that insurance companies can become very busy after a storm, so it’s essential to stay organized and document everything to make the process as smooth as possible.
By following these steps, you can restore your roof and protect your home from further damage.
Dan Belcher
Asses The Damage And File A Claim
Carefully inspect the severity of the damage on your roof. If you sense that it is only minimal, try to fix it if you know how or contact a professional. Trying to repair it immediately can prevent further damage to your roof. But if you think that the damage is too severe, let the professionals handle it to avoid further roof destruction and accident.
If you have insurance, contact them and begin processing your insurance claim. And finally, if it comes to it, always look for a professional roofing contractor to fix your roof. Make sure they are the best at what they do. If they can provide a warranty for their work, the better.
Inspect, Gather, And Hire
When a storm damages your roof, it can be stressful and overwhelming. The first step is to inspect the damage, which should always be done from a safe distance.
If the roof appears safe enough to hire a roofing professional, take extra precautions and make sure they are licensed and insured. They’ll be able to precisely assess what repairs need to be completed and provide accurate estimates for repair work or roof replacement.
Don’t rush any decisions regarding roof repair; gather necessary information about material types, warranties that may apply, building codes for your area, and other particulars that may affect your decision-making process.
Roof damage from a storm can be intimidating, but knowing what steps you need to take–inspection, hiring a licensed roofer, getting informed before making any decisions–can help alleviate some of the stress associated with the process.
Set Up A Tarp, Contact Contractor, And Document Everything
1. Set up a tarp on your roof to prevent further damage until you can get repairs done. Even if this is not something you can do yourself, the area must be covered and protected from more water or wind getting in. This will help protect your home and the contents inside while you wait for professional help.
2. Contact an experienced roofing contractor to assess the damage and determine what repairs are needed. [Often], a professional can provide an estimate of repair costs and offer suggestions for minimizing future problems from storms in your area.
3. Document everything: Take pictures and videos of the condition of your roof before and after the storm. This will help you when seeking compensation from your insurer or any other parties responsible for the damage.
It’s also important to keep receipts of any repairs or materials you purchase for these purposes. It may be helpful to have an experienced roofing contractor provide a written report outlining their findings and recommendations.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.
